Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is located 320 km south-east of Lucknow, on the banks of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh. In the past one year, Varanasi has made it to the headlines for being the constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giving it the much needed development push. Known for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education, Varanasi abounds in the exotic art of silk weaving, which manifests itself in precious Banarasi silk sarees and silk brocades that are cherished as collector’s items.